Plans for safari tourists to hunt crocodiles
February 21, 2012
Trophy hunters may be allowed to pay to hunt saltwater crocodiles if Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke lifts a ban on the export of 'trophies' such as skins and skulls and allows hunting safaris.
Northern Territory Aboriginal traditional owners want Minister Burke to approve their plan to develop enterprises for the 'trophy' hunting of problem crocodiles.
The traditional owners describe their plan as being for commercially viable enterprises to harvest problem crocodiles on their own land to gain sustainable income for their communities.
The proposal is for them to be permitted to kill 50 crocodiles a year with professionally trained experienced hunters leading and supervising paying customers who will shoot large crocodiles identified as 'problem animals'.
The crocodile safaris would bring income of up to $25,000 per animal and create local jobs and training opportunities.
If successful the huting safaris would appeal to high spending international animal trophy hunters.
Minister Burke is under pressure from conservationists to reject the application and to stick to the current Northern Territory Crocodile Management Plan.
Northern Territory Aboriginal traditional owners want Minister Burke to approve their plan to develop enterprises for the 'trophy' hunting of problem crocodiles.
The traditional owners describe their plan as being for commercially viable enterprises to harvest problem crocodiles on their own land to gain sustainable income for their communities.
The proposal is for them to be permitted to kill 50 crocodiles a year with professionally trained experienced hunters leading and supervising paying customers who will shoot large crocodiles identified as 'problem animals'.
The crocodile safaris would bring income of up to $25,000 per animal and create local jobs and training opportunities.
If successful the huting safaris would appeal to high spending international animal trophy hunters.
Minister Burke is under pressure from conservationists to reject the application and to stick to the current Northern Territory Crocodile Management Plan.
